Title: Spreading Soft Tissue Infection- A Rare Presentation of Cutaneous Lymphoma
Authors: Dr Vaibhav Chugh (MBBS, MS), Dr Vivek Agrawal (Director Professor)
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i12.86
Abstract
Introduction: Lymphoma presenting with only dermatological manifestations is a rare entity. In very unusual cases, they present as refractory spreading cellulitis and diagnosed after failure of antibiotic therapy.
Case Report: A 50 year old man presented to surgery opd with complaints of intermittent fever and swelling over left axilla & adjoining anterior chest wall since 1 month. Based on clinical examination, provisional diagnosis of spreading cellulitis was made. Wound care and broad spectrum IV antibiotics were continued but the swelling and induration further progressed to involve whole of left upper limb and trunk. Skin biopsy of wound wall suggested possibility of either lymphoma or poorly differentiated small cell carcinoma. Immuno-histochemistry (LCA & Ck) suggested cutaneous lymphoma. Patient was referred to medical oncology department for initiation of chemotherapy. However patient died after 3 days due to disease progression.
Literature does not report much of lymphoma presenting only as spreading cellulitis. This case shows that cutaneous lymphoma can manifest as spreading soft tissue infection which is remorsely uncommon.
Conclusion: Cutaneous lymphoma can present as spreading soft tissue infection.
Keywords: Lymphoma, cellulitis, biopsy.
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